49ers should beware these 5 threatening NFC teams

NFC Team No. 4: Dallas Cowboys

The 49ers have had the better of the Dallas Cowboys in the last two seasons, defeating them in both playoff encounters. It's well worth remembering, however, that they were close and bitter encounters, so it shouldn't be taken for granted that the Niners would simply make it three in a row if there's a trifecta of postseason clashes.

While the Cowboys look a little different with offensive pieces in running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Dalton Schultz departing, they did find some replacements. Running back Deuce Vaughn was a steal in the sixth round, as he has some serious Darren Sproles-like potential. The Cowboys reached on tight end Luke Schoonmaker, but he's still a player of very good potential from a loaded tight end class.

Defensively, the Cowboys are pretty similar to last season. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was drafted in the first round to stuff the interior and stop teams running on them, while linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is an intriguing linebacker prospect. The defensive line will be led by Micah Parsons, one of the defensive elite in the NFL who's switching from linebacker to edge rusher full-time.

Make no mistake, the Cowboys are still a very dangerous team and will be eager for a chance to get revenge on San Francisco.